You might not have much money for a while so you should check if you’re entitled to benefits and get advice on managing any debts you have.

Being dismissed can have a big emotional impact, so it’s also important to get support from family and friends, or even from your GP.

Check that you have all the money you’re entitled to

When you get your final pay, check that you have:

all the wages or salary you were owed

any ‘pay in lieu of notice’ if you’re not working your full notice

pay for any holiday you didn't take before you were fired

any bonus, commission or expenses you’re entitled to

If you had any benefits like a company car or phone and were allowed personal use of them, you’re entitled to keep them until the end of your notice period. If they were for work use only and you don’t work your notice period (called ‘garden leave’), you have to give them back immediately.

You might be able to get some money to help you find a new job. Read more about Access to Work grants for people with a disability, health or mental health condition.

Explaining your dismissal to a new employer

It’s best to be honest with a new employer if they ask why you left a role.

If they know you've been dismissed for poor performance or ‘misconduct’ (when your employer says you’ve done something wrong), there’s a risk they might not offer you a job.

But if you don't tell them the real reason for your dismissal and they find out later, you could be sacked.

Think carefully about how to explain the situation - keep your explanation as short and professional as possible.

Getting a reference

Your old employer doesn’t have to give you a reference - but if they do, it has to be truthful and fair.

You might get a bad reference if you’ve been sacked for poor performance or misconduct. This is because your old employer can be sued if they don’t mention something about you that later causes problems for a new employer.

If you're worried about getting a bad reference, you can ask your old employer for a basic reference - this just gives your job title, salary and dates of employment. Many employers do this, so it won't look odd to a new employer.